Wednesday, May 18, 2022

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Myanmar NLD Members, Relatives Live in Fear of Attack by Pro-Junta Terror Group

Posted: 18 May 2022 06:00 AM PDT

The Thwe Tout group has killed at least 20 people and waged a terror campaign, forcing party members and their relatives to hide or flee the country.

The post Myanmar NLD Members, Relatives Live in Fear of Attack by Pro-Junta Terror Group appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Fuel Importers Blame Shortages on Junta Dollar Controls

Posted: 18 May 2022 05:38 AM PDT

Fuel importers say they are struggling to ensure supplies because of the regime's restrictions on foreign exchange.

The post Myanmar Fuel Importers Blame Shortages on Junta Dollar Controls appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Military-Owned Corporation Fails to Pay Dividends to Myanmar Troops 

Posted: 18 May 2022 04:42 AM PDT

Myanma Economic Holdings failed to pay its annual dividends to its shareholders, many of whom are members of the armed forces. 

The post Military-Owned Corporation Fails to Pay Dividends to Myanmar Troops  appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Striking Myanmar Civil Servants Denied Passports

Posted: 18 May 2022 03:25 AM PDT

The junta has compiled a blacklist of members of the civil disobedience movement to prevent them from leaving Myanmar.

The post Striking Myanmar Civil Servants Denied Passports appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Ports key to China’s Strategy of Controlling Indian Ocean

Posted: 18 May 2022 03:04 AM PDT

India is threatened with being encircled by a network of China-controlled ports and Beijing's increasingly powerful navy.

The post Myanmar Ports key to China's Strategy of Controlling Indian Ocean appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Ten Junta Soldiers Killed in Upper Myanmar Mine Attacks

Posted: 18 May 2022 02:39 AM PDT

Resistance forces ambushed a regime flotilla traveling through restive Sagaing Region.

The post Ten Junta Soldiers Killed in Upper Myanmar Mine Attacks appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Junta Tightens Security in Commercial Capital Yangon

Posted: 18 May 2022 01:02 AM PDT

Residents report increased patrols and searches by security forces, who appear to be mounting an operation to wipe out resistance activity in the city.

The post Myanmar Junta Tightens Security in Commercial Capital Yangon appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar’s Shadow Govt Calls on Int’l Community to Arm Resistance

Posted: 17 May 2022 10:47 PM PDT

Moral support is appreciated but the People's Defense Force needs weapons and money, the NUG's Defense Ministry says.

The post Myanmar's Shadow Govt Calls on Int'l Community to Arm Resistance appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Ethnic Kachin Fighters to Attack Pro-Junta Forces in Northern Myanmar

Posted: 17 May 2022 04:50 AM PDT

The Kachin Independence Organization warns pro-regime groups and junta employees of impending attacks on them in Kachin State.

The post Ethnic Kachin Fighters to Attack Pro-Junta Forces in Northern Myanmar appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

ASEAN’s Failed Consensus on Myanmar: A Year of Broken Promises

Posted: 17 May 2022 04:40 AM PDT

Despite calls from the civilian NUG and some member states for a new strategy, ASEAN, US continue to back the peace plan, which has been ignored by the junta for a year.

The post ASEAN's Failed Consensus on Myanmar: A Year of Broken Promises appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Junta Court Jails Ousted Mon State Chief Minister for 21 Years

Posted: 17 May 2022 04:23 AM PDT

Dr. Aye Zan, who has been detained for over a year, was convicted by a special regime court on nine corruption charges; he still faces numerous additional cases.

The post Myanmar Junta Court Jails Ousted Mon State Chief Minister for 21 Years appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Military’s Attempts to Smear Suu Kyi as Corrupt Have Failed

Posted: 17 May 2022 03:38 AM PDT

Despite a concerted campaign accusing Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD of corruption, the Myanmar people know that it is the military regime which is truly dishonest. 

The post Myanmar Military's Attempts to Smear Suu Kyi as Corrupt Have Failed appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Australia Downgrades Diplomatic Ties With Myanmar Junta

Posted: 17 May 2022 03:37 AM PDT

The new head of the Australian Embassy will only carry the title "chargé d'affaires" instead of ambassador.

The post Australia Downgrades Diplomatic Ties With Myanmar Junta appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Junta Kills At Least 36 in Sagaing Village: Residents

Posted: 17 May 2022 03:34 AM PDT

Villagers from Ye-U Township said they cannot identify the burned bodies. 

The post Myanmar Junta Kills At Least 36 in Sagaing Village: Residents appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Detained NLD Lawyer Being Held at Myanmar Military Base

Posted: 17 May 2022 02:59 AM PDT

Daw Ywet Nu Aung, a prominent Mandalay lawyer, has yet to be brought to trial or transferred to a prison. 

The post Detained NLD Lawyer Being Held at Myanmar Military Base appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Monday, May 16, 2022

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Junta Troops Clash With Arakan Army in Western Myanmar 

Posted: 16 May 2022 04:04 AM PDT

Military tensions are increasing in Rakhine State, as fears grow that informal ceasefire between AA and regime is breaking down.

The post Junta Troops Clash With Arakan Army in Western Myanmar  appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Meets Counterpart From Myanmar’s Shadow Govt

Posted: 16 May 2022 03:33 AM PDT

Defying junta warnings, Saifuddin Abdullah met Daw Zin Mar Aung in Washington, becoming the first minister from ASEAN to engage with the parallel government.

The post Malaysian Foreign Minister Meets Counterpart From Myanmar's Shadow Govt appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Resistance Commander Killed in Fighting with Myanmar Junta

Posted: 16 May 2022 03:14 AM PDT

Heavy clashes have been reported in southern Shan State with resistance groups claiming to have killed numerous regime troops.

The post Resistance Commander Killed in Fighting with Myanmar Junta appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Regime Forces Torture and Kill 29 People in Upper Myanmar

Posted: 16 May 2022 03:08 AM PDT

Junta troops abducted villagers in Sagaing Region, shooting some dead and torturing and burning others alive.

The post Regime Forces Torture and Kill 29 People in Upper Myanmar appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

KIO Warns Civil Servants in Northern Myanmar Not to Work for Junta

Posted: 16 May 2022 01:11 AM PDT

District and township administrations under the group's control in Kachin State sent letters to local officials urging them to resign or face 'consequences'.

The post KIO Warns Civil Servants in Northern Myanmar Not to Work for Junta appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus ‘Not Appropriate’ for Myanmar: Ex-US Ambassador

Posted: 16 May 2022 12:54 AM PDT

Ex-US envoy Scot Marciel argues that the military has left no room for real negotiation; he also says Bangkok and Washington should cooperate to help refugees.

The post ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus 'Not Appropriate' for Myanmar: Ex-US Ambassador appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Saturday, May 14, 2022

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


US, ASEAN in Geostrategic Drift

Posted: 13 May 2022 06:50 PM PDT

With ASEAN split over Myanmar, China and other issues, and the US preoccupied with Ukraine, new thinking on how to cooperate is needed on both sides.

The post US, ASEAN in Geostrategic Drift appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Junta Watch: Summit Snub Stings Regime Boss; Tech Giants Shun Junta App, and More

Posted: 13 May 2022 06:40 PM PDT

Also this week, the regime's diplomatic spat with the UK escalated and Min Aung Hlaing resorted to old clichés about 'foreign interference'

The post Junta Watch: Summit Snub Stings Regime Boss; Tech Giants Shun Junta App, and More appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Friday, May 13, 2022

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Myanmar Military’s Proxy Party Prepares for Junta’s Planned Election

Posted: 13 May 2022 03:13 AM PDT

The Union Solidarity and Development Party will elect new leaders next month ahead of the proposed 2023 election.

The post Myanmar Military's Proxy Party Prepares for Junta's Planned Election appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Resistance Claims Victory Over Junta Outpost

Posted: 13 May 2022 02:32 AM PDT

The Pekon People Defense Force says it killed 15 regime troops, including a major.

The post Myanmar Resistance Claims Victory Over Junta Outpost appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Hun Sen Slammed After Scolding Critics of Myanmar Junta’s ‘Peace’ Bid

Posted: 13 May 2022 01:36 AM PDT

The ASEAN chair and Cambodian PM again drew Myanmar people's ire after saying those who objected to his efforts on behalf of the regime would 'destroy' their country.

The post Hun Sen Slammed After Scolding Critics of Myanmar Junta's 'Peace' Bid appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

US Engages Shadow Govt as Biden Welcomes ASEAN Leaders

Posted: 13 May 2022 12:44 AM PDT

US officials met the NUG's foreign minister on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit as the White House announced some $150 million in energy, maritime pledges for SE Asia.

The post US Engages Shadow Govt as Biden Welcomes ASEAN Leaders appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Junta Troops Step Up Sagaing Raids

Posted: 12 May 2022 06:10 AM PDT

A resistance fighter says they no longer have the weapons to repulse raids by regime forces.

The post Myanmar Junta Troops Step Up Sagaing Raids appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Buddhist Monks Urged to Boycott Myanmar Junta Rice Offerings

Posted: 12 May 2022 04:50 AM PDT

The regime is trying to appeal to religious nationalists, say observers.

The post Buddhist Monks Urged to Boycott Myanmar Junta Rice Offerings appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Resistance Forces Inflict Heavy Casualties on Junta Convoy in Western Myanmar

Posted: 12 May 2022 04:40 AM PDT

A regime convoy traveling in Chin State has been attacked repeatedly over the last ten days.

The post Resistance Forces Inflict Heavy Casualties on Junta Convoy in Western Myanmar appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Refugees on Indian Border Face Danger of Disease and Shortage of Medicines

Posted: 12 May 2022 04:03 AM PDT

Displaced people from Chin State and Sagaing Region are receiving support, but access to healthcare and education remains problematic.

The post Myanmar Refugees on Indian Border Face Danger of Disease and Shortage of Medicines appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

ASEAN Under Pressure to Do More on Myanmar as Leaders Gather in Washington

Posted: 12 May 2022 02:21 AM PDT

A symbolically empty Myanmar chair may be presented at the US-ASEAN summit, but hollow gestures and words do nothing to help the people of the junta-ruled country. 

The post ASEAN Under Pressure to Do More on Myanmar as Leaders Gather in Washington appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Trade Deal, Myanmar on Agenda as Southeast Asian Leaders Gather in US

Posted: 11 May 2022 10:54 PM PDT

US officials are expected to show support for democratic forces in Myanmar and tout a scaled-back trade deal for the region at the two-day ASEAN-US summit in Washington. 

The post Trade Deal, Myanmar on Agenda as Southeast Asian Leaders Gather in US appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Myanmar Activists Lobby US to Sanction Regime’s Oil and Gas Sector

Posted: 11 May 2022 06:43 AM PDT

The Blood Money Campaign has sent an open letter to Washington saying sanctions on oil and gas would halve junta revenues. 

The post Myanmar Activists Lobby US to Sanction Regime's Oil and Gas Sector appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Junta’s Awards for Ethnic Leaders Seen as Bid to Sell Peace Talks

Posted: 11 May 2022 05:51 AM PDT

The regime last month awarded titles to leaders of seven of the 10 groups planning to attend talks, prompting speculation it was looking to secure their participation.

The post Myanmar Junta's Awards for Ethnic Leaders Seen as Bid to Sell Peace Talks appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Over 60 Myanmar Junta Troops Killed in Last Three Days 

Posted: 11 May 2022 05:00 AM PDT

Intense clashes have been taking place between resistance groups and regime forces in Chin and Kayah states and Sagaing Region. 

The post Over 60 Myanmar Junta Troops Killed in Last Three Days  appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Junta Accuses Ousted Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Myanmar of Corruption

Posted: 11 May 2022 04:16 AM PDT

Dr. Bo Bo Nge is accused of failing to tax a donation from billionaire George Soros's Open Society Foundation among other charges.

The post Junta Accuses Ousted Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Myanmar of Corruption appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Military Calls In Air Strikes to Keep Village From Falling to Resistance

Posted: 11 May 2022 03:42 AM PDT

The village in Sagaing Region's Kani Township is home to a pro-junta militia and army camp; PDF groups had it surrounded but army helicopters kept them from entering. 

The post Myanmar Military Calls In Air Strikes to Keep Village From Falling to Resistance appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Veteran Shan Democracy Campaigner Khun Tun Oo Dies

Posted: 11 May 2022 03:17 AM PDT

Khun Tun Oo, the former Shan Nationalities League for Democracy chairman, has died of natural causes after a lifetime working to establish a federal democracy.

The post Veteran Shan Democracy Campaigner Khun Tun Oo Dies appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

ASEAN’s Plan to Deliver Aid to Myanmar via Junta Condemned

Posted: 11 May 2022 02:26 AM PDT

Civil society and international organizations join NUG in saying the regime will use ASEAN's humanitarian assistance as a political weapon.

The post ASEAN's Plan to Deliver Aid to Myanmar via Junta Condemned appeared first on The Irrawaddy.